DE60224122T2 - Remote reporting system for a vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The The present invention relates to a system for transmitting attribute information. which characteristics of a vehicle embody, by radio and a system to radio over an abnormality of the vehicle, such as a theft, an error or to report an accident and in particular a technique which allows, to identify and locate the vehicle and also attributes from the vehicle, such as the manufacturer and type of Vehicle, through the report capture.

Usually various inventions have been proposed which are compatible with the Deal with theft of a vehicle.

The Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 61-30450 suggests a vehicle theft prevention system in which a theft detection means and a transmission means are provided on the vehicle, wherein a display device carried by the owner of the vehicle receives a theft detection signal from the vehicle and displays the theft detection signal and the display device transmits a signal to one provided on the vehicle To activate alarm.

The Japanese Patent Publication No. 2665478 proposes a vehicular anti-theft system in which a theft detector and position detector are provided on a vehicle and the position detector is activated in response to the theft detector detecting a theft and then automatically transmits position information.

Recently, navigation systems employing a GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning system using satellites have been incorporated into other vehicles. The Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 5-5626 proposes an accident information reporting system that uses position information that can be obtained from a vehicle using such a navigation system. Specifically, the navigation system is provided with a means for detecting an accident on the vehicle and a transmission means, and when the occurrence of an accident on the vehicle is detected, the navigation system automatically transmits accident information and information about where the accident occurred to the police , the JAF or the like.

Additionally has the latest development of wireless communication systems is a positioning service brought using a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), which makes it possible to locate the PHS communication terminal by determining which base station device has a radio communication service area has, in which the terminal is arranged.

A terminal device according to the preamble of claim 1 is in the document EP 0 934 858 A which describes an emergency call system for vehicles which transmits an automatic emergency call.

Even though the conventional ones Inventions dealing with theft and accidents, position information can provide report the conventional ones However, inventions only a theft and an accident. Therefore It is difficult to act appropriately in response to the report.

Especially In a case where a vehicle is stolen, it is not possible to to look for the stolen vehicle if attributes of the vehicle itself, such as the name of the manufacturer, the type, and the body color of the vehicle are not known. Thus, will Begin the search after the attributes, what characteristics embody the vehicle, for example, by questioning the owner of the stolen vehicle are identified, and therefore it is not possible to promptly appropriate Measures too take.

Even If the vehicle belongs to a particular vehicle type, attributes may be used in terms of appearance, which is an identification of the specific vehicle at a glance, thereby changed be that wheels be replaced with a sticker on the bodywork of the vehicle is glued that a TV antenna or the like is attached that seats or seat covers, which from the outside can be seen from the vehicle to be replaced and other effort is made by the user as needed. Some measures are necessary to deal with such a change of attributes to engage the user after the purchase of the vehicle. Such conditions are particularly noticeable in the case of motorcycles; a user sticks frequently not just a sticker on the body of the vehicle, but also replaces parts that shape the look, such as one Muffler, a fender and an air filter box as so-called custom work after the purchase of the vehicle.

Further, there is a service that takes and offers a photograph of the vehicle at a dealer or the like at the time of acquiring the vehicle. Such a photo of the vehicle is also an attribute which identifi cation of the special vehicle at a glance. If the photographic image is used as an attribute, the attribute information must be associated with the change of attributes as described above.

Further There are many users who have an accessory on their vehicles. Such users have a desire to take a picture of the vehicle at the time the change attributes as described above as part of an album.

As well if it is not possible in the event of an accident on the vehicle, take appropriate measures without delay for example, as the police sent to the scene of the accident will inspect the accident vehicle and request a tow truck, which is necessary to transport the accident vehicle, which tow truck in size for the accident vehicle suitable is.

Even though In case of a fault in the vehicle it is convenient if a Radio communication system as described above is used for automatically transmit a report of the error and thereby a To request maintenance service has the simple reporting of the occurrence of the same problems beyond the error caused by such an error report as described above.

Especially, to the error immediately To repair the place, it is necessary, necessary in advance To provide spare parts. In some cases, the error can only be from repaired by the manufacturer of the vehicle. Furthermore depends on on the extent of the error a tow truck necessary to take the vehicle to a repair shop to transport. But if you go to the place for repair, it is only after the occurrence of the error is reported not possible, to deal with the mistake quickly and thus it is not possible immediately appropriate measures to take.

The The present invention has been made in view of the above usual Situations and it is accordingly a goal of the present invention, immediately in response on a report of an abnormality of a vehicle, such as Example a theft, an accident or an error, appropriate Measures too take.

It is another object of the present invention, attribute information, which can identify the vehicle with the vehicle at the present time and thereby attribute information optimize.

Further Objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description apparently.

Around To achieve these objectives, the present invention provides a Terminal device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 4 ready.

The present invention enables it to identify the vehicle and take appropriate action without delay by performing communication processing and information processing to identification information or recognition information for the unique Identifying the vehicle, attribute information, which attributes of the vehicle itself, and position information which indicates the actual position of the vehicle. The present invention allows it also to optimize the attribute information used in the identification useful for the vehicle is.

The present invention enables it, in response to the occurrence of an abnormality of one Vehicle, such as a theft, an accident or a Mistake, immediately appropriate measures by performing communication processing and information processing to information about the detected abnormality from the vehicle, identification information for unique identification of the vehicle, attribute information, which attributes of the vehicle itself, and position information showing the actual position of the vehicle.

Abnormalities of Vehicles include thefts, accidents and mistakes.

If handled in the present invention with a theft, enough Information that can communicate the fact that the vehicle stolen, as abnormality information. The abnormality information can provide information about the time of theft, which information, for example from a timer in the terminal device or an abnormality detection means is obtained to provide information in this way useful in the subsequent search is.

If handled in the present invention with an accident, enough Information that can tell the fact that the accident happened is, as abnormality information. The abnormality information can provide information about the nature and extent of the Accidents include, for example, information from an in the abnormality detection means (sensor) provided to the vehicle in order to provide information in this way subsequent handling of the accident is useful.

If a mistake is handled in the present invention, enough Information that can tell the fact that the mistake happened is, as abnormality information. The abnormality information can provide information about the nature and part of the error include what information, for example from an abnormality detecting means provided in the vehicle (Sensor) is detected to provide information in this way, which is useful in the subsequent repair.

Therefore the controller may receive the report upon receipt of the report Identify vehicle identifying attributes of the vehicle and identify the location of the vehicle. It is thus possible to immediately appropriate activities to take.

According to the above The present invention described, the storage means, which is provided in the terminal device to the attribute information store the attribute information stored therein in response to an outside access and can also output the attribute information with update attribute information update or update, which is entered from the outside. Therefore Is it possible, to optimize the attribute information used in the identification useful for the vehicle is and the attribute information history, such as stored photographic images of the vehicle, for use as a To spend the album.

According to the above described embodiment may be the storage means provided in the terminal device is to store the attribute information with update attribute information to be updated at the time of a vehicle inspection is entered. Therefore, only a specific vehicle dealer or the same who performs the inspection, the attribute information update by using a specific device or tool, a predetermined access right information or method for Access to the storage means or the like used. Consequently Is it possible, a consistency between the vehicle and its attribute information too obtain / maintain.

Therefore By receiving the abnormality report, the control device can the occurrence of an abnormality of the vehicle, identify the vehicle which the abnormality has to identify the attributes of the vehicle having the abnormality, and identify the location where the abnormality occurred. It is thus possible, immediately appropriate measures to take such as an appropriate report to the Send police and make an appropriate request to a suitable To send maintenance service.

Therefore By receiving the abnormality report, the control device can the occurrence of an abnormality of the vehicle, identify the vehicle which the abnormality has to identify the attributes of the vehicle having the abnormality, and identify the location where the abnormality occurred, for example using the positioning service of a PHS, which accommodates the terminal device. It is thus possible to immediately appropriate activities to take.

A Telephone number of the terminal device, which in a radio communication system once assigned a body (chassis) number from a vehicle inspection certificate, a registration number from the vehicle inspection certificate (number on a license plate), an ID, which is assigned once in the reporting system and the like can be used as the identification information to uniquely identify the vehicle. One of such parts of identification information or a combination of two or a plurality of such pieces of identifying information may be used.

When the position information can be position information which is from a GPS is obtained for the Terminal device can be used, and position information, which of a positioning service of a PHS or the like can be obtained, for example, for the control device be used.

When the attribute information which embodies characteristics of the vehicle can the name of the manufacturer, the name of the type, the vehicle model, the body color, the model year of the vehicle, the appearance of the vehicle, which is determined by optional parts and the like is to be used. One of such pieces of attribute information or a combination of two or more such pieces of attribute information can be used.

In addition is according to one more another embodiment the present invention, a terminal device of each of previous systems provided. By receiving the terminal device into a vehicle and thereby forming a reporting system, such as described above, it is possible immediate action in response to a report from the vehicle to take and it is for a control device is possible, in response to an abnormality the vehicle immediately appropriate measures to take.

Further is in accordance with the present Invention a method according to claim 4 provided. The method thus allows an operator who the control unit is operated, and staff, which from the control device for posting, easily gather information which necessary to deal with the abnormality that has occurred.

As described above is according to the present Invention attribute information in a report of an abnormality such as Example of theft, accident or failure of a vehicle and the information from the Abnormality Report is displayed in recognizable Information about the issue converted. Therefore, it is possible characteristics of the vehicle as well as the location of the vehicle, such as for example, the place where the abnormality occurred, and thereby on the basis of the abnormality report immediately appropriate measures to take.

The The present invention will be concretely based on embodiments described the same.

1 FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle report system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

2 Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3 Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a control apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram supporting the explanation of an abnormality report according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

5 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

6 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

7 FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram supporting the explanation of an abnormality report according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

8th Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal device according to a first example not according to the present invention.

9 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control apparatus according to the first example.

10 Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram supporting the explanation of an abnormality report according to the first example.

11 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal device according to a second example not according to the present invention.

12 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control apparatus according to the second example.

13 Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram supporting the explanation of an abnormality report according to the second example.

14 Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a control apparatus according to an application of the present invention.

15 Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram supporting the explanation of a homepage image according to the application of the present invention.

1 shows a vehicle report system according to the present invention.

In the present system is a terminal device 3 , which has a radio communication function, in a motorcycle 1 and a motor vehicle 2 contain. The terminal device 3 performs radio communication with a radio base station device 4 by which in a plurality of radio base stations 4 housed, which is set up by a communication service operator (telephone company). The terminal device 3 In some of the embodiments described below, a position determining function for calculating an actual position of the device at any time by receiving radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites 10 , whereby the actual position of the vehicle through the terminal device 3 is known.

A control device 6 with a screen 6a is in a security post 5 which provides security services. The terminal device 3 , which is included in the vehicles, may produce an abnormality report on the base station device 4 and a communication onsleitungsnetz 7 to the control device 6 transfer.

The communication service operator of the communication line network 7 performs processing to exchange the above communications and provides a service to the location of the terminal device 3 to determine, as described later.

The security service 5 is via the communication line network 7 with an actual operations center 8th connected to dispatch necessary personnel, such as the police, which handles theft, accidents and errors, a road service, a maintenance service from a vehicle manufacturer or a towing service. The security service 5 can a posting request and information, which is necessary for handling the problems, to the actual operations center 8th transfer.

In this example is a computer 9 which is in the actual operation center 8th is installed, with the control / regulating device 6 connected, whereby a request and information from the control device to the computer 9 be spent and on a screen 9a from the computer 9 are displayed. However, the information communications between the security service 5 and the actual operations center 8th be telephone communications using the phone. Likewise, the security service 5 and the actual operations center 8th managed by the same body.

The 2 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. A terminal device 3 in the first embodiment, actual position information and attribute information have from the terminal device 3 and transmits an abnormality report including the current position information and the attribute information to the controller 6 ,

As in 2 shown has the terminal device 3 a position information acquisition unit 21 to perform position calculation processing by the reception of radio waves from a GPS satellite 10 perform; a radio communication unit 22 to a radio communication processing with the radio base station device 4 perform; a semiconductor memory 23 which stores readable necessary information; and a control unit 24 to provide centralized control of the functional means 21 to 23 and an abnormality report processing in response to an abnormality signal from abnormality detection sensors 11 , which are provided at different positions of the vehicle to perform.

The control unit 24 is formed by a microcomputer with a processor and a memory and is preprogrammed for the above control / processing.

The memory 23 stores identification information A which allows unique identification, such as a telephone number, of which the terminal device 3 and attribute information B which allows the identification of the name of the manufacturer of the vehicle, the vehicle type and the like.

A type of sensor, which according to the nature of the abnormality of an object of the detection, the type of the vehicle, the terminal device 3 is necessary, and the like is required as the abnormality detecting sensor 11 used. The abnormality detection sensors 11 are provided at necessary positions of the vehicle.

Especially then when a theft is to be detected, a sensor is used which is a change can detect which occurs in the vehicle, which change can be considered as caused by the theft, such as a vibration detection sensor for outputting an abnormality signal, if a vibration exceeding a certain value with the ignition key removed occurs to the vehicle, or a rotation detection sensor of a motorcycle in particular, to output an abnormality signal, when a turn of a wheel exceeding a certain distance occurs when the ignition key is removed.

When an accident is to be detected, a sensor is used which can detect a change occurring in the vehicle, which change can be regarded as caused by an accident, such as a deformation detecting sensor for outputting an abnormality signal when deformation corresponding to a certain Altitude exceeds, occurs in the vehicle, a tilt detecting sensor of a motorcycle in particular, which is combined with a timer, as disclosed in the patent application no. 2000-148857, for outputting an abnormality signal when a slope exceeding a certain degree in the vehicle occurs for a certain period of time or longer, a combination of an acceleration detection sensor and a tilt detection sensor for outputting an abnormality signal when an inclination exceeding a certain value occurs in the vehicle at a certain acceleration or more, or a combination of Acceleration detection sensor and a separation detection sensor for Ausga of an abnormality signal when a wiring line is disconnected from an electrical system at a certain acceleration or more.

If an error is to be detected, a sensor is used, which is a in the vehicle occurring change can capture what change can be considered as caused by an error, such as For example, a sensor for outputting an abnormality signal in response to a result a self-diagnosis by an electronic control unit from a motor, a temperature sensing sensor for outputting a abnormality, if the engine exhaust temperature, the engine lubricating oil or the engine cooling water exceeds a certain value, a pressure detection sensor for outputting an abnormality signal when a pressure from the engine lubricating oil exceeds a certain value, or a pressure detecting sensor for outputting an abnormality signal, when a tire air pressure is below a certain value.

at the implementation According to the present invention, the sensor can be used with theft, accidents and errors all of them have or can deal with some of the abnormalities, like for example, only one mistake, have to do. The ones described above Sensors will be according to the configuration selected.

As in 3 shown has the control device 6 : an output unit 31 which is a screen 6a to visually output information and a speaker to audibly output information in the form of an alarm or the like; a communication unit 32 to processing a communication with the communication line network 7 perform; an input unit 33 to receive an operator input from an operator; a storage unit 34 formed by a semiconductor memory which stores readable necessary information such as an abnormality report history; and a control unit 35 to a central control / regulation of the functional means 31 to 34 to effect.

The control unit 35 is formed by executing predetermined programs by computer hardware having a processor and a memory, and the control unit 35 also has a conversion function 36 to get away from the terminal device 3 to convert received abnormality report information into user-acceptable information obtained from the output unit 31 is to spend.

The Operation of the thus-formed abnormality reporting system will be described next.

If an abnormality in the vehicle 1 or 2 occurs and the abnormality through a sensor 11 is detected by the terminal device, transmits the control unit 24 First, an abnormality report by radio from the radio communication unit 22 in response to a from the sensor 11 supplied abnormality signal.

The Abnormality Report includes content as described in 4 and is transmitted by radio in a format according to a protocol for a radio communication system with the base station device 4 transfer.

Specifically, the abnormality report comprises header information H, which includes information necessary for radio communication control, and an address (telephone number) from the control device to receive the report; from the store 23 read identification information A and attribute information B; Abnormality information C to indicate the occurrence of the abnormality; and position information D obtained from the position information obtaining unit 21 is obtained at the time of input of the abnormality signal. The control unit 24 transmits these pieces of information by radio in the form of a frame in which the pieces of information are related to each other.

While the abnormality C may be information indicating only the occurrence of the abnormality, is the abnormality information C by the way preferably information indicating the type and nature of the indicating the type of sensor F detected abnormality.

When the control device 6 the abnormality report by the communication unit 32 via the base station device 4 and the communication line network 7 receives, converts the control unit 35 Data from the abnormality report into a perceptible data format by the conversion function 36 around. The control device 6 then displays an ad on the screen 6a which notifies the occurrence of the abnormality and issues an alarm from the speakers informing the occurrence of the abnormality so as to display on the screen information identifying the vehicle having the abnormality 6a display and output based on the identification information A contained in the abnormality report, attributes of the vehicle on the screen 6a to display and output based on the attribute information B contained in the abnormality report and the actual position of the vehicle on the screen 6a ba indicating and outputting the positional information D contained in the abnormality report.

When the abnormality information C includes the type and the nature of the abnormality, the type and the nature of the abnormality also become on the screen 6a output and displayed. The received abnormality report is from the control unit 35 in the storage unit 34 is stored as an abnormality report history and the abnormality report can be made as needed in response to an input from a command from the input unit 33 be issued.

Thus, the operator of the security service 5 Immediately detect which vehicle has the abnormality and where the abnormality has occurred, as well as the characteristics and attributes of the vehicle, by the output from the output unit 31 and on the basis of the information, the operator can immediately and properly take appropriate action.

In particular, if it is dealing with a theft, the operator may report the theft to the owner of the vehicle, which in advance at the security service 5 is registered, and the police 8th Send a report indicating the location of the theft as well as the type of vehicle and the body color of the vehicle. When dealing with an accident, the operator may report the accident to an emergency contact, which in advance will be at the security service 5 is registered, and the police and the fire department 8th Send a report indicating the location of the accident as well as the type of vehicle and the body color of the vehicle. If she has a fault, the operator can 162 a request to a maintenance service 8th which is selected according to the manufacturer of the vehicle and the type of the vehicle.

Incidentally, if the abnormality information includes information indicating the error part and the extent of the failure, it is possible to provide the information when the request to the maintenance service 8th is sent to prepare necessary spare parts and a tow truck to transport the vehicle if necessary personnel are dispatched.

The 5 to 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention.

Although in this example a terminal device 3 Has attribute information, the actual position information is determined by a control device 6 obtained by using a positioning service, which is provided by a communication service operator 78 provided. Hereinafter, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be described. The same parts as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their repeated description will be omitted.

A position information acquisition unit 21 that uses GPS is in the terminal device 3 omitted in this example, as in 5 shown. If an abnormality by a sensor 11 is detected, an abnormality report which does not include position information but includes header information H, identification information A, abnormality information C and attribute information B is transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device 3 transferred as in 7 shown.

As in 6 shown has a control unit 35 from the control device 6 in this example, a position information acquisition function 37 , When the control device 6 receives the abnormality report causes the position information acquisition function 37 a controller for providing a position determination request specifying the identification information (telephone number of the terminal device) included in the abnormality report from a communication unit 32 to the communications service operator 7a transfer. The communications service operator 7a then obtains position information by a determination of which of the installed base station devices 4 has a communication area in which the terminal device identified by the identification information 3 is arranged. The position information is from the communication unit 32 receive. A conversion function 36 performs conversion processing on the identification information A, the abnormality information C and the attribute information B included in the received abnormality report, and the position information from the terminal device 3 (That is, the vehicle that the terminal device 3 or the sender of the report, which position information from the communication service operator 7a and then the resulting information from an output unit 31 in a form perceptible by an operator.

Thus, in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment, the operator of the security service 5 instantly detecting which vehicle has the abnormality and where the abnormality has occurred, as well as the characteristics and attributes of the vehicle, by the output from the output unit 31 and based on the information, the operator can immediately and properly take appropriate action thereafter seize.

The 8th to 10 show a first example, which does not correspond to the present invention.

Although in this example a terminal device 3 Position information D, attribute information B is received from a controller 6 handled by a database provided in advance. The following description will be made of parts different from those of the first embodiment. The same parts as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their repeated description will be omitted.

As in 8th shown has the terminal device 3 in this example, a position information acquisition unit 21 which uses GPS. A store 23 stores identification information A, but does not store attribute information. If an abnormality by a sensor 11 is detected, an abnormality report which does not include the attribute information B but includes header information H, the identification information A, abnormality information C, and the position information D is transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device 3 transferred as in 10 shown.

As in 9 shown has a control unit 35 from the control device 6 in this example a database search function 38 , When the control device 6 receives the abnormality report causes the search function 38 a controller to control one in a memory unit 34 stored attribute database B on the basis of the identification information contained in the abnormality report and thereby extract corresponding attribute information. Incidentally, the attribute database B is constituted by accumulating attribute information of vehicles including the terminal device 3 to be provided with the service in which identification information of the terminal device is used as a key.

A conversion function 36 performs conversion processing on the identification information A, the abnormality information C and the position information D included in the received abnormality report, as well as the attribute information from the vehicle, or the transmitter / transmitter of the report, which attribute information is obtained by the search and then gives resulting information from an output unit 38 in a form perceivable by an operator.

Thus, in the first example, as in the previous embodiments, the operator of the security service 5 Immediately detect which vehicle has the abnormality and where the abnormality has occurred, as well as the characteristics and attributes of the vehicle, by the output from the output unit 31 and on the basis of the information, the operator can immediately and properly take appropriate action.

The 11 to 13 show a second example, which does not correspond to the present invention.

Although in this example a terminal device 3 Identification information A holds, the processing for obtaining position information D and attribute information B from a control device 6 carried out. Hereinafter, parts different from those of the first to third embodiments will be described. The same parts as in the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their repeated description is omitted.

As in 11 shown has the terminal device 3 in this example, no position information acquisition unit 21 which uses GPS. Likewise stores a memory 23 Identification information A, but does not store attribute information. If an abnormality from a sensor 11 is detected, an abnormality report that does not include the position information D and the attribute information B but includes header information H, the identification information A, and abnormality information C is transmitted wirelessly from the terminal device 3 transferred as in 13 shown.

As in 12 shown has a control unit 35 from the control device 6 in this example, a conversion function 36 , a position information acquisition function 37 and a database search function 38 , When the control device 6 receives the abnormality report causes the position information acquisition function 37 a controller to be used by the communications service operator 7a to obtain the current position information from the vehicle, or the transmitter / transmitter of the report, based on the identification information (telephone number of the terminal device) included in the abnormality report and the search function 38 causes a control to obtain corresponding attribute information from an attribute database B stored in a memory unit 34 is stored on the basis of the identification information included in the abnormality report.

The conversion function 36 performs a conversion processing on which in the received As well as the attribute information B and the position information D of the vehicle, or the transmitter / transmitter of the report, which information is obtained by the above control processing, and then outputs resultant information from an output unit 31 in a form perceivable by an operator.

Thus, in the second example, as in the previous example and the embodiments, the operator of the security service 5 instantly detecting which vehicle has the abnormality and where the abnormality has occurred, as well as the characteristics and attributes of the vehicle, by the output from the output unit 31 and on the basis of the information, the operator can immediately and properly take appropriate action.

14 and 15 show an application showing the functions of the control device 6 used.

In this example, image data of vehicles obtained by photographing with a camera 40 be obtained from an input unit 39 captured and then in a storage unit 34 collected as an image database E and stored so that corresponding image data, as needed, through a search function 38 can be extracted from the database E. Specifically, the image data of vehicles obtained by photographing are registered in connection with identification information in the image database E, so that the image data of each of the vehicles can be read using the identification information as a key.

In addition are Data such as type, chassis number, registration number, from each of the vehicles in the image database E in conjunction with collected the image data of the vehicle.

An output unit 31 has a function of communication access to the Internet. If the security service 5 receives a report of a theft, the image data of the stolen vehicle and the data associated with the image data are read from the database E on the basis of the report, and the information can be obtained from the output unit 31 presented on a homepage on the Internet. By, for example, as in 15 shown, a homepage, which is referred to as a "searched vehicle list" is set up on the Internet, and a picture 41 from the stolen vehicle and information 42 For example, the type, the chassis number and the registration number from which the vehicle is picked up on the page, it is possible to drive the public to provide information.

In the foregoing embodiments the abnormality detection means in the vehicle to report an abnormality occurring in the vehicle Vehicle has occurred, such as a mistake. however can Identification information, position information and attribute information transmitted to the terminal device regularly or at any time by radio without providing such an abnormality detection means. This can also realize means which when searching for the vehicle are effective when the vehicle is stolen, for example. additionally For example, the terminal device may be provided with a function for Sending such a report in response to a request received, so that the terminal device sends the report in response to a transmitted to the control / regulating device Send report request.

Of the Memory of the terminal device or the external database can be a be readable and writable storage device, so that from the outside of the system such as from a dealer or a user the attribute information stored therein can be accessed for output and input from a terminal of the memory device or similar. This supports an update processing to optimize the stored Attribute information by making a change to the attribute information reflects which of a change the appearance or the like of the vehicle after the purchase of the vehicle results. Further, in the update processing stored attribute information in the storage device, for example as a history will be saved, so that the latest attribute information provided in response to access from the inside of the system, to send a report while the attribute information stored as a history for output in response to external access. Then it is possible Vehicle appearance attributes, such as images of the vehicle to use which are altered by customization work, which was done by the user or the like, as to use an album.

In addition, at the time of inspection of the vehicle, the attribute information stored in the storage device as described above may be provided only by a device, a tool, an access ID or an access procedure that is being inspected by a vehicle dealer or the like inspecting the vehicle. is specially owned, at be updated for example. This makes it possible to prevent inappropriate updating, which may lead to inconsistency between the current vehicle and its attribute information, and thus to obtain reliability of the stored attribute information. Examples of simple methods of doing this include: preparing an access terminal from the storage device in a specific form and preparing a connector connectable to the terminal at the time of the inspection work; Allowing a box, such as a housing that houses the storage device, to be opened only by a special tool; and preprogramming an access ID or an access procedure into the memory device and allowing access to be permitted only by a corresponding ID input or procedure.

The Invention allows immediate appropriate measures in response to a report from a vehicle over a abnormality, such as a theft, an accident or an error, to take.

Therefore, a terminal device 3 in vehicles 1 and 2 to transmit an abnormality report and thereby the occurrence of an abnormality to a control device 6 Report to. The terminal device 3 includes abnormality information C from an abnormality detection sensor 11 , Identification information A from the vehicle, attribute information B for indicating attributes of the vehicle itself, and position information D from the vehicle. The controller may thereby detect the occurrence of the abnormality from the vehicle, identify the vehicle having the abnormality, identify the attributes of the vehicle having the abnormality, and identify the location where the abnormality has occurred. It is thus possible to quickly take appropriate action, such as sending a report and sending a report to a maintenance service.

Claims (4)

A vehicle reporting system, comprising: a terminal device ( 3 ), which in a vehicle ( 1 . 2 ) for transmitting a report by radio in response to an abnormality signal from an abnormality detecting means included in the vehicle ( 11 ), wherein the report is obtained by identifying information (A) for uniquely identifying the vehicle, which identification information (A) is stored in a storage means (A). 23 ), attribute information (B) for displaying characteristic attributes of the vehicle itself in terms of appearance, which enables visual identification of the specific vehicle, which attribute information (B) is stored in the memory means (3). 23 ), and position information (D) for indicating an actual position of the vehicle, and abnormality information (C) for the abnormality detecting means (FIG. 11 ), and a control device ( 6 ) for receiving by radio from the terminal device ( 3 ) and the storage means ( 23 ), which in the terminal device ( 3 ) for storing the attribute information (B) outputs the attribute information (B) stored therein in response to external access and updates the attribute information (B) with update attribute information (B) input from the outside, and characterized in that the Control device ( 6 ) comprises an image database (E) for storing additional attribute information in the form of image data of the vehicle, wherein the image data of the vehicle can be read using the identification information (A) as a key. Vehicle reporting system according to claim 1, wherein the storage means ( 23 ) for storing the attribute information (B) is updated with update attribute information (B) input at the time of vehicle inspection work. A vehicle reporting system according to claim 1 or 2 for reporting an abnormality occurring in the vehicle and using a communication service provided by a radio communication system including a plurality of base station devices (Fig. 4 ), the report being transmitted by radio for reception by the control device ( 6 ) having a function for obtaining positional information from the sender of the abnormality report, the positional information being obtained by determining which base station device (s). 4 ) has a service area in which the transmitter is located on the basis of the identification information (A) included in the abnormality report. Method for operating a vehicle report system according to one of claims 1 to 3 using a terminal device contained in a vehicle ( 3 ) for generating and transmitting a report, comprising the steps of: assigning identification information (A) for uniquely identifying the vehicle, which identification information (A) is stored in a memory means (A) 23 ), attribute information (B) for displaying characteristic attributes of the vehicle itself in terms of appearance, which is a visual identification of the particular driving zeugs which attribute information (B) in the memory means ( 23 ), and position information (D) for indicating an actual position of the vehicle and abnormality information (C) for an abnormality detecting means (in the vehicle) ( 11 ); Transmitting the report by radio in response to an abnormality signal from an abnormality detecting means ( 11 ), Outputting in the storage means ( 23 ), which in the terminal device ( 3 ) stored attribute information (B) in response to an access from the outside; Updating the attribute information (B) by externally input update attribute information (B), the method being characterized by: storing additional attribute information in the form of image data of the vehicle in an image database (E) of a control device ( 6 ); and reading the image data of the vehicle using the identification information as a key.